Getaways: Portugal

Even photographers need a break sometimes. Seattlepi.com staff photographer Jordan Stead took a nine-day hiatus from Seattle to journey across the Atlantic Ocean for an exploratory trip to Portugal. The sights that ended up in front of his camera can brighten up a slow lunch hour. Enjoy Getaways: Portugal.

By By JORDAN STEAD

on May 22, 2014 9:00 AM

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

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Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in... Photo-6325775.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Self-proclaimed robed "followers" relax on the benches near the Jer—nimos Monastery in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Self-proclaimed robed "followers" relax on the benches near the Jer—nimos Monastery in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

People relax in the colorful plastic blob seats on the waterfront in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

People relax in the colorful plastic blob seats on the waterfront in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

People relax in the colorful plastic blob seats on the waterfront... Photo-6325777.86269 - seattlepi.com

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A view of the colorful Pena National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. less

A view of the colorful Pena National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

A view of the colorful Pena National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra,... Photo-6325778.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Peacocks strut about in the dirt of Evora, a UNESCO world heritage site, in May 2014, in Evora, Portugal.

Peacocks strut about in the dirt of Evora, a UNESCO world heritage site, in May 2014, in Evora, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Peacocks strut about in the dirt of Evora, a UNESCO world heritage... Photo-6325780.86269 - seattlepi.com

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The Castle of the Moors, upper right, as seen from the heights of the Pena National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal.

The Castle of the Moors, upper right, as seen from the heights of the Pena National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

The Castle of the Moors, upper right, as seen from the heights of... Photo-6325781.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Musicians file through the streets during a parade in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Musicians file through the streets during a parade in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Musicians file through the streets during a parade in May 2014, in... Photo-6325782.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Interior views of the gigantic Jer—nimos Monastery, photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal. It was classified in 1983 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of BelŽm.

Interior views of the gigantic Jer—nimos Monastery, photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal. It was classified in 1983 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of BelŽm.

Cameras and hats tilt to view the complexities of the Monument to the Discoveries, a monument on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Cameras and hats tilt to view the complexities of the Monument to the Discoveries, a monument on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Cameras and hats tilt to view the complexities of the Monument to... Photo-6325784.86269 - seattlepi.com

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An evening view of the expansive Quinta da Regaleira, photographed in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. It's classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and considered as one of the principal tourist attractions of Sintra. less

An evening view of the expansive Quinta da Regaleira, photographed in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. It's classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and considered as one of the principal tourist attractions ... more

Statues catch candlelight within a church in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Statues catch candlelight within a church in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Statues catch candlelight within a church in May 2014, in Lisbon,... Photo-6325823.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in... Photo-6325826.86269 - seattlepi.com

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The Christ the King statue stands high over the Tagus River in May 2014, in Portugal. The giant statue in cement was erected to express gratitude because the Portuguese were spared the effects of World War II.

The Christ the King statue stands high over the Tagus River in May 2014, in Portugal. The giant statue in cement was erected to express gratitude because the Portuguese were spared the effects of World War II.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

The Christ the King statue stands high over the Tagus River in May... Photo-6325828.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Tourists traverse heights of the crumbling ruins of the Castle of the Moors in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. The castle was constructed during the 8th to 9th century.

Tourists traverse heights of the crumbling ruins of the Castle of the Moors in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. The castle was constructed during the 8th to 9th century.

A woman rides the metro system at the end of a day in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

A woman rides the metro system at the end of a day in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

A woman rides the metro system at the end of a day in May 2014, in... Photo-6325836.86269 - seattlepi.com

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The oldest church in the city, Se Cathedral, glows in evening light in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

The oldest church in the city, Se Cathedral, glows in evening light in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

The oldest church in the city, Se Cathedral, glows in evening light... Photo-6325842.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Tourists run amongst the arches over a walkway in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Tourists run amongst the arches over a walkway in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Tourists run amongst the arches over a walkway in May 2014, in... Photo-6325839.86269 - seattlepi.com

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A wide view of Obidos, surrounded by a stone pathway, in May 2014, Portugal.

A wide view of Obidos, surrounded by a stone pathway, in May 2014, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

A wide view of Obidos, surrounded by a stone pathway, in May 2014,... Photo-6325843.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Graves in Obidos, as seen from a high stone pathway, in May 2014, Portugal.

Graves in Obidos, as seen from a high stone pathway, in May 2014, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Graves in Obidos, as seen from a high stone pathway, in May 2014,... Photo-6325844.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Red roofs and church spires dominate the skylines in May 2014, in... Photo-6325845.86269 - seattlepi.com

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An elderly woman reads in the dying light of an evening in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

An elderly woman reads in the dying light of an evening in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

An elderly woman reads in the dying light of an evening in May... Photo-6325846.86269 - seattlepi.com

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The Santa Justa Lift in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal. The structure connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Since its construction, the lift has become a tourist attraction.

The Santa Justa Lift in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal. The structure connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Since its construction, the lift has become a tourist attraction.

Built with the bones of 5,000 dead, Capela dos Ossos, a chapel in the UNESCO world heritage site of Evora, is a major tourist attraction, photographed May 2014, in Portugal.

Built with the bones of 5,000 dead, Capela dos Ossos, a chapel in the UNESCO world heritage site of Evora, is a major tourist attraction, photographed May 2014, in Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Built with the bones of 5,000 dead, Capela dos Ossos, a chapel in... Photo-6325882.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Groups of international tourists flock to the National Palace of Sintra in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. It is the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal, having been inhabited more or less continuously at least from the early 15th up to the late 19th century. It is an important tourist attraction and is part of the Cultural landscape of Sintra, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. less

Groups of international tourists flock to the National Palace of Sintra in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. It is the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal, having been inhabited more or less ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Groups of international tourists flock to the National Palace of... Photo-6325883.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Gold and paintings decorate the inside of an all-stone church photographed in May 2014, in Evora, Portugal.

Gold and paintings decorate the inside of an all-stone church photographed in May 2014, in Evora, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Gold and paintings decorate the inside of an all-stone church... Photo-6325885.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Groups of international tourists flock in the town of Sintra in May 2014, in Portugal. Owing to its 19th-century Romantic architecture and landscapes, it has become a major tourist centre, visited by many day-trippers who travel from the urbanized suburbs and capital of Lisbon. less

Groups of international tourists flock in the town of Sintra in May 2014, in Portugal. Owing to its 19th-century Romantic architecture and landscapes, it has become a major tourist centre, visited by many ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Groups of international tourists flock in the town of Sintra in May... Photo-6325884.86269 - seattlepi.com

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The Swann's Room within the Sintra National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal.

The Swann's Room within the Sintra National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

The Swann's Room within the Sintra National Palace in May... Photo-6325886.86269 - seattlepi.com

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The National Palace of Sintra, center, as seen from the heights of the Castle of the Moors in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal.

The National Palace of Sintra, center, as seen from the heights of the Castle of the Moors in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

The National Palace of Sintra, center, as seen from the heights of... Photo-6325888.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Statues within the Pena National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. The PNP is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. less

Statues within the Pena National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal. The PNP is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

Statues within the Pena National Palace in May 2014, in Sintra,... Photo-6325887.86269 - seattlepi.com

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A nightscape of the National Palace of Sintra, photographed in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal.

A nightscape of the National Palace of Sintra, photographed in May 2014, in Sintra, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

A nightscape of the National Palace of Sintra, photographed in May... Photo-6325889.86269 - seattlepi.com

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A golden chandelier photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

A golden chandelier photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

A golden chandelier photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo-6325892.86269 - seattlepi.com

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Exterior views of the gigantic Jer—nimos Monastery, photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal. It was classified in 1983 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of BelŽm.

Exterior views of the gigantic Jer—nimos Monastery, photographed in May 2014, in Lisbon, Portugal. It was classified in 1983 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of BelŽm.